Rwanda-Backed M23 Offensive in Eastern Congo Kills 7,000, Displaces Hundreds of Thousands

The conflict has escalated into the region's worst humanitarian crisis in over a decade, with calls for sanctions and international action intensifying.

The Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group has seized key cities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, in a rapid offensive since January.
Over 7,000 people, including a significant number of civilians, have been killed, and 450,000 displaced as 90 displacement camps were destroyed.
The United Nations and human rights organizations have documented widespread atrocities, including summary executions, sexual violence, and child casualties, by both M23 fighters and retreating Congolese forces.
Western governments, including the United States and European Union, are imposing or considering sanctions on Rwanda for its military support of M23, while the UN Security Council has demanded Rwanda withdraw its troops.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with disrupted food supplies, overwhelmed medical facilities, and soaring food prices in conflict-affected areas.